<p>I want to be a heart surgeon and really want to get in ED at Columbia. A lot of people tell me I have a good chance because I self-published a novel. The novel is fanasty, a bit princess bride and I only wrote it in 5 months(300 pages) so I could get it done in time for the expo we were presenting it at. For our gifted project we had to create something, and I chose a fantasy book. I don't plan on revising it or anything, just something I got done. Now since I wanna be premed and not a writer, is this really a hook for me? I also have no other wrting awards, or artsy things to back up the quality of the novel.. not saying it's bad though. Will this impress Columbia? Will they ask me to send it in? ahhh</p>
<p>your not a senior are you?</p>
<p>Your getting into Columbia ED has almost nothing to do with becoming a heart surgeon.</p>
<p>Creativity and results are always a "hook." Provided it's well-written, it'll help your application.</p>
<p>Hi Lisa,</p>
<p>It's good to have career goals but don't make them inordinately specific so early in life. </p>
<p>'I would like to be a doctor someday' is better than 'I want to be a heart surgeon and graduate from Columbia'.</p>
<p>"self-published" suggests that it didn't go through any screening process prior to publication. I doubt that it would make a big difference. Good luck!</p>
<p>I agree with vicariousparent. Self-publishing isn't really a hook. Maybe if your novel won any awards that speak to its quality because adcom members certainly aren't going to read it to find out if it's good.</p>
<p>I'm also unsure why this is posted in the premed forum as it has nothing to do with becoming a doctor.</p>